Esthesioneuroblastoma and Cervical Lymph Node Metastases: Clinical and Therapeutic Implications

Objective – To determine pass and refer rates, and identify risk factors relating to refer responses, in neonates screened using distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs). Material and Methods – A total of 435 neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of the Philippine General Hospital between May and October 2000 were screened using DPOAEs within 48 h of admission. Results – The male:female ratio in the sample was 1.05. In total, 56% of neonates were born preterm, the mean birthweight was 2428.39±710.39 g and 8.9% weighed <1500 g. In total, 47.9% were delivered by Caesarian section and 44.9% were delivered vaginally. Almost 14% of neonates had 1-min Apgar scores of <6, and 4% had 5-min Apgar scores of <7. Approximately 95% of neonates had a poor perinatal history. Using pediatric aging it was noted that 46% of these neonates were born preterm, and 30.4% were small for gestational age. At least one neonatal disease was found in 42% of neonates, whilst 95.7% had to be given medication. The bilateral refer rate was 29.1%. Two-by-two analysis of risk factors for hearing loss and DPOAE measurements showed that only male sex seemed to have a significant association with a refer response. Neonates weighing <1500 g at birth showed a marginally significant association with a refer response (p=0.07). All other neonates showed no crude association with DPOAE measurements. Conclusion – These preliminary data show that a high proportion of NICU patients may have poor outer hair cell function, and thus poor hearing. In order to develop an effective neonatal hearing screening program, further studies of prevalence and risk factors should be pursued in the same setting.     

Distortion-product otoacoustic emissions in humans with high frequency sensorineural hearing loss

Distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) and pure-tone behavioral thresholds were compared in 20 ears with normal hearing and in 20 ears with high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss. The purpose was to determine if DPOAE amplitude is associated with pure-tone behavioral threshold. Comparison of results from the two groups of ears indicated that DPOAEs were reduced in amplitude or were absent in ears with high-frequency hearing loss. The differences occurred at frequencies above 1,500 Hz. Comparing results from 750 to 8,000 Hz within the same ear revealed a frequency-related correspondence of elevated behavioral threshold to reduced DPOAE amplitude. When behavioral thresholds were better than 20 dB HL, DPOAE amplitude was within the range (+/- 2 SDs) determined for the ears with normal hearing. When pure-tone threshold was greater than 50 dB HL, DPOAEs were absent or were significantly attenuated in 16/17 subjects (94%). The association of emission level with behavioral threshold level was variable when threshold was between these two extremes. Results imply that the measurement of DPOAEs has clinical potential as a means of detecting hearing loss by frequency.     

比较单一的DPOAE和DPOAE/AABR联合技术进行的目标新生儿听力筛查方法研究

目的通过单一的畸变产物耳声发射（DPOAE）和DPOAE／自动听性脑干反应（AABR）联合技术进行目标新生儿的听力筛查，以研究目标新生儿听力筛查的敏感性。方法记录出生3～24天的200名新生儿（400耳）的单一畸变产物耳声发射（DPOAE）和DPOAE／AABR联合技术测试的结果。筛查对象来自复旦大学附属儿科医院和上海儿童医学中心新生儿重症监护室（NICU）的有高危听力损害的新生儿。结果在开始的听力筛查中，共有29名新生儿（14．5％）在单一的DPOAE中未通过，而9名（4．5％）在联合运用DPOAE和AABR检查中未通过。在随访的诊断评估中，包括耳科检查、声阻抗、诊断性的听性脑干反应（DABR），6名新生儿11耳（3％）在出生后2个月时最终被诊断为真正的感音神经性听力损失。运用DPOAE和AABR联合测试，使高危儿童听力筛查的敏感性高达98．5％，并能够大大减少假阳性率。在频率分析中发现在通过AABR（短声刺激）测试的23耳中，高频的DPOAE通过率（％）比较高（2562Hz为93％，3187HZ为88％）。没有通过AABR测试的15耳，低频（500、1000和1593Hz）的DPOAE通过率（％）比高频（2562．3187和4031Hz）略高。结论DPOAE和AABR联合测试技术可以广泛运用于新生儿听力筛查，敏感性较高，可以减少假阳性并提供频率特异性。     

Performance of two hearing screening protocols in NICU in Shanghai

Objective

To study the sensitivity and specificity of targeted neonatal hearing screening for the single-session distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) technique and the combined DPOAE/automated auditory brain-stem response (AABR) technique.

Methods

3000 high-risk newborns were studied at Children's Hospital of Fudan University. They were required to take two different screening procedures separately. The first procedure consisted of DPOAE alone and the second consisted of DPOAE combined with the AABR. Based upon the etiology in high-risk babies, they were divided into four groups. In group I there were 670 very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) newborns (1340 ears), and in group II there were 890 preterm babies (1780 ears). 850 babies (1700 ears) suffered from hyperbilirubinemia in group III, whereas 790 babies (1580 ears) with asphyxia were in group IV. The babies in groups II, III, and IV came from the neonatal intensive-care unit (NICU) of our hospital. The study protocols consisted of the DPOAE alone and DPOAE combined with AABR hearing screening at an age of less than 1 month, and a diagnostic stage at the age of 2 months.

Results

With single-session DPOAE screening, the referral rate (8% of the NICU babies), the false-positive rate (4.96%) and the false-negative rate (0.8%) were higher. The different etiologies in NICU babies had significantly different referral rates (F-test, p < 0.01). A 4.46% referral rate of hyperbilirubinemi babies was much lower. The combined DPOAE/AABR screening technique revealed a referral rate of 5.03%, a false-positive rate of 2% and a false-negative rate of 0.06%. The false-positive rate was well below the suggested 3% of the American Academy of Pediatric. Comparisons of the referral rate, false-positive rate and false-negative rate of two hearing screening protocols (DPOAE alone and combined DPOAE/AABR) revealed significant differences (t-test, p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.01). 91 infants (3.03% of the NICU babies) who failed the combined DPOAE/AABR screening were confirmed on hearing impairment. Of 22 babies who passed DPOAE screening but failed the AABR screening had a severe to profound hearing loss based on classic ABR. These patients (24% of the NICU babies with hearing losses) with hyperbilirubinemia and asphyxia problems at newborn stage were diagnosed as auditory neuropathy based on evaluations of DPOAE screening passed, abnormal ABR and absent middle-ear muscle reflexes (MMR).

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates the use of a combination of DPOAE and AABR testing ensures high sensitivity and acceptable specificity, and predict the AN profile in NICU babies. Our efforts identified 22 NICU babies with auditory neuropathy who hopefully will benefit from early remediation of their hearing deficit.     

High-frequency hearing influences lower-frequency distortion-product otoacoustic emissions

OBJECTIVES: The primary goal of this study was to test the ability of 2f1-f2 distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) to detect reduced cochlear function in the presence of normal behavioral sensitivity. DESIGN: A prospective study was performed in normal-hearing young adults using simple and complex regression analyses to clarify the relationship between ultra-high frequency (UHF) hearing and DPOAE levels at lower frequencies, as well as the influence of hearing levels for frequencies within the conventional test range and subject age on this association. METHODS: Average DPOAE levels between 4 to 8 kHz, which were elicited by equilevel primary tones of low to moderate levels, were measured as level-frequency functions, or distortion-product (DP) grams, and related to the mean UHF hearing levels from 11.2 to 20 kHz. The median hearing level for the UHF hearing was used to separate subjects into good and poor UHF hearers. This distinction was then used to compare DPOAE levels from 4 to 8 kHz for the 2 groups to determine if UHF hearing status influenced DPOAE levels at lower frequencies. RESULTS: Simple regression analysis revealed that the 4-to 8-kHz DPOAE levels were significantly correlated with the pure-tone average (PTA) from 11.2 to 20 kHz. However, the PTA for 4 and 8 kHz was also significantly correlated with the PTA for UHF hearing. Further multiple regression analyses revealed that UHF hearing significantly and uniquely accounted for approximately 14% of the variance in DPOAE levels from 4 to 8 kHz for most of the primary-tone level combinations. In contrast, neither the PTA for the conventional hearing range nor subject age contributed significantly to the DPOAE variance. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that UHF hearing influences DPOAEs at significantly lower frequencies because emissions are sensitive to subtle changes in outer hair cells not yet detected by pure-tone thresholds in this region or because alterations in the basal cochlea affect the generation of lower-frequency DPOAEs originating from more apical cochlear regions.     

Identification of neonatal hearing impairment: distortion product otoacoustic emissions during the perinatal period

OBJECTIVES: 1) To describe distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) levels, noise levels and signal to noise ratios (SNRs) for a wide range of frequencies and two stimulus levels in neonates and infants. 2) To describe the relations between these DPOAE measurements and age, test environment, baby state, and test time. DESIGN: DPOAEs were measured in 2348 well babies without risk indicators, 353 well babies with at least one risk indicator, and 4478 graduates of neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). DPOAE and noise levels were measured at f2 frequencies of 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 kHz, and for primary levels (L1/L2) of 65/50 dB SPL and 75/75 dB SPL. Measurement-based stopping rules were used such that a test did not terminate unless the response was at least 3 dB above the mean noise floor + 2 SDs (SNR) for at least four of five test frequencies. The test would terminate, however, if these criteria were not met after 360 sec. Baby state, test environment, and other test factors were captured at the time of each test. RESULTS: DPOAE levels, noise levels and SNRs were similar for well babies without risk indicators, well babies with risk indicators, and NICU graduates. There was a tendency for larger responses at f2 frequencies of 1.5 and 2.0 Hz, compared with 3.0 and 4.0 kHz; however, the noise levels systematically decreased as frequency increased, resulting in the most favorable SNRs at 3.0 and 4.0 kHz. Response levels were least and noise levels highest for an f2 frequency of 1.0 kHz. In addition, test time to achieve automatic stopping criteria was greatest for 1.0 kHz. With the exception of "active/alert" and "crying" babies, baby state had little influence on DPOAE measurements. Additionally, test environment had little impact on these measurements, at least for the environments in which babies were tested in this study. However, the lowest SNRs were observed for infants who were tested in functioning isolettes. Finally, there were some subtle age affects on DPOAE levels, with the infants born most prematurely producing the smallest responses, regardless of age at the time of test. CONCLUSIONS: DPOAE measurements in neonates and infants result in robust responses in the vast majority of ears for f2 frequencies of at least 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 kHz. SNRs decrease as frequency decreases, making the measurements less reliable at 1.0 kHz. When considered along with test time, there may be little justification for including an f2 frequency at 1.0 kHz in newborn screening programs. It would appear that DPOAEs result in reliable measurements when tests are conducted in the environments in which babies typically are found. Finally, these data suggest that babies can be tested in those states of arousal that are most commonly encountered in the perinatal period.     

Postnatal risk factors associated with hearing loss among high-risk preterm infants: tertiary center results from Turkey

The aim of this study was to determine the postnatal risk factors associated with hearing loss as well as the prevalence of hearing loss among high-risk preterm infants in newborn hearing screening (NHS). We performed a retrospective study of high-risk preterm infants born with a gestational age ≤32 weeks and/or a birth weight ≤1,500 g. A NHS procedure was performed by automated auditory brainstem response (AABR) and automated evoked otoacoustic emission (TEOAE). Infants who failed TEOAE or AABR or both tests were referred to a tertiary audiology center for diagnosis confirmation and management. Postnatal risk factors associated with hearing loss were evaluated and compared for preterm infants with and without hearing loss. 1,360 high-risk preterm infants were assessed. Permanent hearing loss was found in 19 (1.4 %) infants. Multivariate analysis revealed that proven sepsis (p = 0.019), mechanical ventilation ≥5 days (p = 0.024), loop diuretics (p = 0.001), patent ductus arteriosus ligation (p = 0.018) and operation for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) (p = 0.034) were significant related factors for the hearing loss. This study showed a low prevalence of hearing loss and an association between operation for ROP and hearing loss in preterm infants, which has not been defined previously. Our results suggest that every neonatal intensive care unit should determine their own risk factors and take precautions to prevent hearing loss for these high-risk preterm infants.     

新生儿听视同步筛查的临床模式

目的探索新生儿听力、眼病同步筛查的可行性和临床模式；了解新生儿听力下降及眼病的发病情况。方法在母婴同室应用瞬态诱发耳声发射，新生儿重症监护病房采用两阶段筛查技术进行新生儿听力筛查；同步进行新生儿眼病筛查。听力复筛未通过者，生后3个月进入诊断程序并进行跟踪随访和定期的听力学评估；眼病筛查疑似病例及时转诊到专业眼科进一步确诊。结果自2002年10月1日至2005年4月30日在济南市妇幼保健院共出生16800例新生儿，对其中的15398例（91．7％）新生儿进行了听力、眼病同步筛查。新生儿听力损失在同步筛查儿中的检出率：双耳0．312％（48／15398），单耳0．227％（35／15398）；有4例单耳或双耳先天性感音神经性聋伴发眼病或眼部阳性体征：1例极重度感音神经性聋（双）、听神经病伴双眼先天性完全性白内障，1例轻度感音神经性聋（双）伴发左眼永存瞳孔膜，1例轻度感音神经性聋（双）伴双眼底静脉扩张，1例右耳轻度感音神经性聋伴双眼永存玻璃体动脉。在15398例统计取样的新生儿中，共检出先天性眼病或眼部阳性体征13种2211例。结论新生儿期听力损失和眼病或眼部阳性体征在临床中并不少见。新生儿听视同步筛查在听力下降以及眼病监测和防治中是可行的，亦是有效的。     

Multivariate DPOAE metrics for identifying changes in hearing: perspectives from ototoxicity monitoring

Distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) provide a window into real-time cochlear mechanical function. Yet, relationships between the changes in DPOAE metrics and auditory sensitivity are still poorly understood. Explicating these relationships might support the use of DPOAEs in hearing conservation programs (HCPs) for detecting early damage leading to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) so that mitigating steps might be taken to limit any lasting damage. This report describes the development of DPOAE-based statistical models to assess the risk of hearing loss from cisplatin treatment among cancer patients. Ototoxicity risk assessment (ORA) models were constructed using a machine learning paradigm in which partial least squares and leave-one-out cross-validation were applied, yielding optimal screening algorithms from a set of known risk factors for ototoxicity and DPOAE changes from pre-exposure baseline measures. Single DPOAE metrics alone were poorer indicators of the risk of ototoxic hearing shifts than the best performing multivariate models. This finding suggests that multivariate approaches applied to the use of DPOAEs in a HCP, will improve the ability of DPOAE measures to identify ears with noise-induced mechanical damage and/or hearing loss at each monitoring interval. This prediction must be empirically assessed in noise-exposed subjects.     

Similarities and differences in distortion-product otoacoustic emissions among four FDA-approved devices

Similarities and differences in distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) among four Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved devices were assessed quantitatively. DPOAEs were recorded from 42 adult subjects (84 ears) ranging in age from 19 to 40 years. All subjects had hearing thresholds of 20 dB HL or better for the test frequencies from 0.25 to 8.0 kHz and normal acoustic immittance findings. DPOAEs were collected in a quiet non-sound-treated room. DPOAE measurement parameters included an f2/f1 ratio of approximately 1.2, with f1 at 65 dB SPL (L1) and f2 at 55 dB SPL (L2). There were no significant differences in the mean emissions levels among the four devices. This investigation showed that validity criteria, pass criteria, and strategies for DPOAE measurements interact to produce varying pass and refer results. However, when DPOAEs are obtained with consistent validity criteria, pass criteria, and strategies for measurement, the results are remarkably consistent.     

新生儿监护病房儿童听力筛查及诊断结果分析

目的对在耳鼻喉科听力诊断中心进行听力诊断评估,并且有新生儿监护病房住院史婴幼儿的听力筛查及诊断结果进行比较分析,旨在评价目前所用听力筛查方法的有效性。方法选取有新生儿监护病房住院史并于耳鼻咽喉科进行听力诊断评估的婴幼儿,分析其自动听性脑干反应(AABR)及畸变产物耳声发射(DPOAE)筛查资料,并与诊断型听性脑干反应(ABR)的结果进行对比分析。结果本组同时完成DPOAE、AABR筛查及诊断型ABR测试,并且资料完整保存者共89例177耳。DPOAE筛查未通过率为45.8%,AABR筛查的未通过率为46.3%。两种筛查方法的一致率为64.4%。AABR的假阴性率为27.9%,DPOAE为16.3%,联合使用两种筛查方法时其假阴性率为4.7%。诊断型ABR测试异常共26例43耳(24.3%),其中轻度听力损失22耳,中度7耳,重度3耳,极重度11耳,听力损失为双侧者17例,单侧者9例,双侧听力损失患者中双耳听力损失程度对称者12例,不对称者5例。本组确诊听力损失婴幼儿中存在的高危因素包括:新生儿重症监护病房(NICU)住院超过5天;早产儿呼吸窘迫综合征;机械通气48h以上;出生体重低于1500g;新生儿窒息(Apgar评分1分钟0~4分或5分钟时0~6分);高胆红素血症胆红素水平达到换血要求;颌面部畸形(小耳、外耳道闭锁或畸形、腭裂);细菌性脑膜炎。结论使用AABR或AABR与DPOAE联合筛查可用于NICU新生儿的听力筛查,有新生儿听力损失高危因素的婴幼儿有转诊进行听力诊断评估的指证。     

Utility of OAE screener (GSI 70) for the evaluation of distortion product otoacoustic emissions

The purpose of this study was to investigate the ability of the OAE screener GSI 70 to evaluate of cochlea function in neonates, infants and adults. Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) were measured using the GSI 70 DPOAE Analyzer and evaluated in 123 human ears between December 1999 and June 2000. We performed the following four general clinical tests to determine the reliability of the GSI 70: 1) comparison of DPOAE levels measured using the ILO 92 and the GSI 70 in 55 adult ears, 2) comparison of DPOAE levels measured using the GSI 70 and hearing levels in 55 adult ears, 3) comparison of DPOAE levels measured using the GSI 70 and ABR levels in 45 neonate and infant ears, and 4) evaluation of the utility of DPOAE measurements obtained using the GSI 70 in functional deafness cases. The following results were obtained: 1) DPOAE levels measured with the ILO 92 and the GSI 70 were closely correlated (correlation coefficient, 0.773 at 2 kHz and 0.813 at 4 kHz). 2) The sensitivity of the GSI 70 in adult ears confirmed to have normal hearing was 80% at 2 kHz and 100% at 4 kHz; the specificity of hearing-impaired ears was 94% at 2 kHz and 94% at 4 kHz. 3) The sensitivity of the GSI 70 in normal neonate and infant ears with normal hearing was 100% at 2 kHz and 100% at 4 kHz; the specificity of hearing-impaired neonate and infant ears was 97% at 2 kHz and 94% at 4 kHz. 4) All of the functionally deaf ears showed excellent DPOAE responses. Examinations using the GSI 70 DPOAE analyzer were very easy and fast. Also, the results were highly reliable, with the exception of one adult who was classified as having normal hearing in an out-of-scale hearing level at 2 kHz. We suggest that specific criteria be established for the clinical usage of the GSI 70 in performing objective hearing evaluations.     

2000例新生儿听力筛查结果分析

目的调查新生儿听力损失的发病情况。方法于2000例新生儿出生后72h,即应用耳声发射筛查仪对其双耳进行畸变产物耳声发射（DPOAEs）检查;初筛未通过者,42d后再次复查DPOAEs;复筛仍未通过者,进行听性脑干反应（ABR）检查;ABR检查不通过者,3～4个月内接受全面的听力学检查和评估,以确定其听力损失的性质和程度。结果接受初次筛查的新生儿中,1830例通过筛查,通过率为91．50％;初筛未通过的170例新生儿全部进行复筛,复筛通过者145例,通过率为85．29％;总通过率为98．75％,男女性别问差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）;正常产儿初筛通过率为96．55％,高危儿初筛通过率为78．18％,差异有统计学意义（P〈0．01）。复筛未通过的25例中,经ABR及全面的听力学检查评估,确诊为先天性听力障碍者2例,听力缺陷率为1‰。结论高危儿中先天性听力缺陷发生率明显高于正常儿。宜及早应用畸变产物耳声发射技术对新生儿进行听力筛查,以及早发现新生儿听力缺陷并进行早期干预。     

Hearing screening of infants in Neonatal Unit, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia using transient evoked otoacoustic emissions

The objective of this prospective study was to report on the prevalence of hearing impairment in the neonatal unit population. From 15 February 2000 to 15 March 2000 and from 15 February 2001 to 15 May 2001, 401 neonates were screened using transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE) followed by second-stage screening of those infants who failed the initial test. Eight (2 per cent) infants failed one ear and 23 (5.74 per cent) infants failed both ears, adding up to 7.74 per cent planned for second-stage screening. Five out of 22 infants who came for the follow up failed the screening, resulting in a prevalence of hearing impairment of 1 per cent (95 per cent confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.0-2.0). Craniofacial malformations, very low birth weight, ototoxic medication, stigmata/syndromes associated with hearing loss and hyperbilirubinaemia at the level of exchange tranfusion were identified to be independent significant risk factors for hearing impairment, while poor Apgar scores and mechanical ventilation of more than five days were not. In conclusion, hearing screening in high-risk neonates revealed a total of 1 per cent with hearing loss. The changes in the risk profile indicate improved perinatal handling in a neonatal population at risk for hearing disorders.     

三组新生儿的诱发性耳声发射的检测分析

目的　研究新生儿的畸变产物耳声发射 (DPOAE)和瞬态诱发耳声发射 (TEOAE)的特点 ,评价其在新生儿听力筛选中的作用。方法　应用Capella耳声发射分析仪对正常新生儿组、剖腹产儿组、新生儿监护病房组三组新生儿进行DPOAE、TEOAE检测。结果　得出正常新生儿的诱发性耳声发射 (EOAE)的正常参考值和正常新生儿的DPOAE图 ;三组新生儿EOAE筛查的通过率分别为 96.1% (12 3 / 12 8)、90 .8% (10 9/ 12 0 )、81.6% (93 /114 ) ,其中新生儿监护病房组的通过率与前两组比较有统计学意义 (P <0 .0 1) ;各组间DPOAE与TEOAE的筛查通过率差异均有统计学意义 (P <0 .0 1) ;正常新生儿与剖腹产儿的DPOAE的幅值和信噪比差异无统计学意义(P >0 .0 5)。结论　在病房内 (非隔音 )进行听力筛选时 ,可明显降低假阳性率 ;剖腹产因素对新生儿耳声发射未见影响 ;对高危新生儿进行听力筛选更有意义     

Outcome of newborn hearing screening by ABR compared with four different DPOAE pass criteria

The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness and utility of distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) and auditory brain stem response (ABR) testing as screening methodologies suitable for universal application at a large birthing hospital. Five hundred sixty-nine neonates (1184 ears) without risk indicators for hearing loss underwent DPOAE and ABR screening before hospital discharge at birth. All ears (100%) passed the ABR screening. DPOAE results were categorized on the basis of the number of frequencies at which emissions were obtained as well as presence versus absence of a replicated response at each test frequency. Pass and refer rates varied widely, on the basis of whether the presence of DPOAE response at 2000 Hz or replication were required. With the most stringent criteria, only 64.44% of ears passed, whereas with the least stringent criteria 88.94% passed. Given that 100% of ears passed according to the gold standard of the ABR screening, these results indicate false-positive rates ranging from 11% to 35% by DPOAE screening. This discrepancy in pass and refer rates when various criteria are applied indicates the need for standardization and further comparison of appropriate pass criteria for newborn hearing screening programs.     

Newborn hearing screening: effectiveness, importance of high-risk factors, and characteristics of infants in the neonatal intensive care unit and well-baby nursery.

BACKGROUND: In contrast to the recommendations of the Joint Committee on Infant Hearing, neonatal hearing screening programs are still not universally available, and many countries implement elective screening in high-risk newborns. OBJECTIVE: To assess the failure rates of neonates in hearing screening and the relative importance of risk factors for hearing impairment, both in neonatal intensive care units and in well-baby nursery neonates. The impact on cost-effectiveness is also evaluated. SUBJECTS: In the current study, 25,288 newborns were assessed; 23,574 were full-term newborns in the well-baby nursery and 1,714 neonates were in neonatal intensive care units. METHODS: All neonates had a general examination (including assessment for congenital anomalies and related history) and were assessed using transient evoked otoacoustic emissions. All newborns were older than 36 weeks at examination and thus had reliable transient evoked otoacoustic emissions. RESULTS: From the 23,574 full-term neonates in the well-baby nursery, 23,123 (98.1%) passed the test and 451 failed (1.9%). Fifty-three of the 23,574 neonates (0.2%) had a risk factor for hearing impairment; 44 (83%) passed the test and 9 failed (17%). Family history of congenital hearing loss and congenital anomalies were the most frequent risk factors for hearing loss. From the 1,714 neonates in neonatal intensive care units, 1,590 (93%) passed the test and 124 failed (7%). Two hundred thirty-two of the 1,714 neonates (14%) had a risk factor for hearing impairment; 205 (88%) passed the test and 27 failed (12%). In neonatal intensive care unit neonates, toxic levels of ototoxic drugs, mechanical ventilation for more than 24 hours, prematurity, and low birth weight were the most frequent risk factors for hearing loss. Congenital anomalies/syndromes were the most important risk factors for failing screening in both the neonatal intensive care unit and the well-baby nursery, as they showed the highest risk of failing hearing screening. The second most important factor in neonatal intensive care unit newborns was low birth weight, and the third was prematurity in relation to the possibility of failing hearing screening. CONCLUSION: The present study found 575 neonates failing hearing screening of 25,288 tested newborns (2.3%). The fact that 78% of newborns who failed hearing screening were in the well-baby nurseries further supports the necessity of universal hearing screening instead of selective screening in neonatal intensive care units, even with the obvious impact on cost-effectiveness. Even if limited funding lead to selective screening in neonatal intensive care units, this should not be applied to high-risk newborns but to all neonatal intensive care unit neonates. Continuous assessment of risk factors and the related possibility of failing hearing screening are of paramount importance in designing hearing screening programs and refining the respective criteria.     

畸变产物耳声发射在唇腭裂婴幼儿听力检查中的应用

目的探讨唇腭裂婴幼儿畸变产物耳声发射（distortion product otoacoustic emission,DPOAE）的特点,并将其与听性脑干反应（auditory brainstem response,ABR）阂值检查的结果加以对照,以探讨DPOAE在这类患儿听力检查中的应用价值。方法DPOAE检查63例（126耳）,年龄2个月-42个月,平均11.83个月。其中单纯腭裂组（以下简称腭裂组）23例（46耳）,腭裂并发唇裂及牙槽裂组（以下简称唇腭裂组）30例（60耳）,单纯唇裂组（以下简称唇裂组）10例（20耳）,每耳均检查8个频率,若2-5kHz4个频点有≥3个频点通过即为该耳通过。在上述患儿中,ABR阈值检查腭裂组17例（34耳）,唇腭裂组10例（20耳）,唇裂组6例（12耳）,以能重复引出V波的最小刺激强度为ABR阈值。结果DPOAE检查：腭裂组通过7耳,未通过39耳,通过率为15.22％;唇腭裂组通过6耳,未通过54耳,通过率为10.00％;唇裂组通过18耳,未通过2耳,通过率为90％。统计分析腭裂组与唇腭裂组无显著差异,而腭裂组与唇裂组,唇腭裂组与唇裂组均有显著差异。ABR阈值检查统计分析结果与DPOAE一致。将各组DPOAE通过率与ABR正常率进行比较,腭裂组及唇腭裂组中二者无差异（P〉0.05）,虽然唇裂组中二者有差异（P〈0.05）,但唇裂组ABR阈值反应的听力下降较轻（均≤50dB nHL）。从总体趋势上说,DPOAE与ABR阈值检查在检测的结果上是一致的。结论唇腭裂患儿DPOAE和ABR检测结果一致,与ABR相比,DPOAE具有快速、简便、易实施等特点,因此DPOAE可以作为唇腭裂婴幼儿听力检查的手段,但仍需进一步结合ABR及其他相关的听力检查,以明确听力损害的程度和类型。     

畸变产物耳声发射与声阻抗在高危新生儿听力筛查中的应用

目的探讨高危新生儿未通过初次筛查是否与外耳道栓塞,中耳病变有关。方法对166例高危新生儿在出生后进行畸变产物耳声发射(DPOAE)检查,未通过的新生儿立即行声阻抗测试。结果初查时有38例新生儿未通过。声阻抗测得鼓室曲线均为A型。结论本研究显示新生儿未通过初次筛查与外耳道栓塞,中耳病变无明显联系。